What is an Abyssinian well, pros and cons, installation nuances

The Abyssinian well, or (what is) the Abyssinian well, is a simple and inexpensive source of water supply for a country house or cottage. Drilling an Abyssinian well does not require the use of special equipment; it can be done independently, even in limited space. But it is worth knowing that any extraction of water from aquifers following the first near-surface one requires a mandatory license. And in order to obtain such a license, it is necessary to collect a lot of preliminary permitting documents for the well.

Construction of the Abyssinian well and percussion drilling method

Types of structures for water supply

A person consumes a fairly large amount of water. It is required for drinking, washing, washing dishes, cleaning, watering, washing, showering and other purposes. It’s good if the country house nearby has communications to which the house can be connected.

However, often this is not possible, and here several water supply options come to the rescue:

1. Ordinary driving well.
2. Mine well.
3. Abyssinian well.

Let's try to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

Drive well

Water collected using this method is of high quality. The house can be fully supplied with water even with high consumption. However, when using this option, there are serious disadvantages: high cost, the need to provide regular maintenance. Without electricity, the pump cannot operate.

Mine well

The cost of its creation and maintenance is significantly lower than for a well. The large diameter of the shaft makes it easier to maintain the well. It can work without using electricity.

However, water quality decreases during heavy rainfall and in the spring when snow melts. The volume of water reserves can be depleted with intensive consumption.

Next, we’ll figure out what advantages the Abyssinian well has, what kind of structure it is and how to install it.

Depth of driving and Abyssinian wells Source obustroeno.com

Abyssinian well

The Abyssinian well is an “igla” well. It received this name because of its special design in the form of a pipe with a tip.

This variant was invented during the war between Britain and Ethiopia in 1867-1868. The credit for its creation goes to engineer Norton. Such a well was intended to supply water to British troops while moving in desert conditions. The structure could be easily installed or moved to a new location if necessary.

The process of installing a “needle” well Source unipump.ru

Pros and cons of the Abyssinian well:

• When installing this option, there is no need to use complex equipment. Installation does not require large space. Digging such a well does not require significant costs.
• The disadvantage is the limitation on the depth of the aquifer. This well cannot supply water from great depths. In order to lay a well, it is necessary that the ground at the installation site be relatively soft.

Drilling an Abyssinian well in a garden plot Source unipump.ru
Since in most cases the aquifer is located quite close to the surface, an Abyssinian well can sufficiently provide water supply to a summer house or private house. If water is used intensively, you can put another one on the site.

Comparison of water wells Source yandex.net

Just a little history

“Abyssinia” is what Ethiopia was once called. And so, during the famous Abyssinian company of the British (1867-1868), the colonialists, in order to provide their troops with drinking water, had to dig very special wells for the first time using a Norton drill. And it was precisely this circumstance that made it possible to carry out the campaign successfully, since Her Majesty’s warriors drank to their heart’s content, and the army of the aborigines fought dry, could not hold out for long and lost.

“Abyssinian wells” have since been built all over the world.

Description of the well design

You can understand what an Abyssinian well is if you consider its design features.

Often there is an aquifer underground at a relatively shallow depth (less than 15 m). To create a “needle”, a pipe with a diameter of 2-4 cm and with a filter at the lower end is vertically deepened into the ground. The upper end is located above the ground. Using a column or pump, water is pumped up from the aquifer.

Thus, in particular, it is possible to provide water to a private home. If there is not enough water, then you can make another well.

The Abyssinian well consists of the following parts:

• The lowest part is the cone-shaped tip. It can also be shaped like a pyramid.
• The filter is a piece of pipe whose diameter is smaller than the tip at its widest point. It usually has small holes drilled in a staggered pattern.

Pipe tip Source rmnt.ru

• A coupling is attached to the filter, which connects it to the next section of pipe.
• Further to the surface there are pipe sections 1.5-2 m long, connected by couplings. The topmost pipe goes to the surface of the earth.
• In the upper part there is a pump for the Abyssinian well, which ensures the rise of water from the aquifer to the top. A column can also be used for this purpose.

Usually the upper part is decorated additionally.

Water quality and quantity

Even if you don’t observe anything dangerous in your immediate environment, the water from the well must be tested. Moreover, two analyzes need to be done - chemical and bacterial. Next, using the test results, you need to analyze whether you can bring this water to sanitary standards and how much it will cost you. Remember, the characteristic “the water is tasty” does not mean anything at all! Only tests, and if the site is located near agricultural land, it is better to do tests towards the end of spring, when the concentration of chemical fertilizers in the soil is maximum.

The predicted well flow rate deserves special attention. In the case of the “needle” well, the flow rate most of all depends on the saturation of the aquifer. An Abyssinian well can produce from 0.5 to 2 m3 of water per hour. If one of your neighbors already has such a well in operation, you can find out what you can count on.

Where to install

Before drilling an Abyssinian well, it is necessary to find a suitable place for it. It is important to find a location so that the aquifer is not very deep.

Typically, soil consists of several layers located at different depths. It is important to find where the aquifer will be located closer to the surface. When installing a pipe, it may happen that there will be quicksand on the way - a layer of solid earth that cannot be broken through. In this case, you will need to look for another place.

Soil structure and aquifer Source greendom74.ru

Soils can be divided into the following categories:

1. Bulk . They differ in that they do not hold their shape. If enough moisture accumulates in them, they can float.
2. Plastic . Can be easily passed using the Abyssinian well tip.
3. Hard rocks . These are limestones, sandstones, marls, dolomites and the like. They cannot be drilled without the use of special tools.

An Abyssinian well can only be built where from the surface to the aquifer there are only soils of the first or second type.

It must be taken into account that it is not possible to equip a well everywhere. The following places should be avoided:

• ravines;
• cliffs;
• steep hillsides.

In these cases, there is a higher risk of contamination of underground natural water reservoirs.

It is important to remember that you should not approach potential sources of pollution closer than 15 m. This applies to places where animals are kept (such as a barn or poultry house), compost pits, and sources of industrial pollution.

It is necessary to maintain distances between the well and other buildings Source ad-cd.net

See also: Companies specializing in the installation of heating, water supply, sewerage.

How to determine the depth of water

It is important to understand at what depth the groundwater is located. The simplest way is to obtain information about the depth of water in a neighbor's well. It should be borne in mind that in this way only an approximate estimate can be obtained. The aquifer is not necessarily located at the same level in different places.

When looking for the right layer, you need to take into account that the one that is located next to the surface of the earth is not recommended for drinking. It is usually fed by melted snow, rain, and household waste. Due to the shallow depth, the water is poorly filtered. The level in this surface layer will vary depending on atmospheric conditions. It is recommended to find a deeper groundwater level.

When water is taken from a sandy layer at a depth of 12-15 m, it is well filtered and represents a stable source that can be used throughout the year. In this case, you will need to make a pumping station for the Abyssinian well.

What an aquifer looks like Source ochistkavodi.ru

When searching for a suitable location, you can rely on the following features:

• In the early morning or evening during the warm season, fog can be observed. If you look closely, you will notice that it has unequal density. Where it is thicker, groundwater is closer to the surface.
• Animals, thanks to their natural instincts, know well the places where water is located. They are not able to tell, but if you understand their habits and observe their behavior, you can get the necessary clue. Dogs in the heat tend to find a cool place to escape overheating. If a horse is thirsty, it will put its hoof where it feels the most moisture. Similar features are inherent in other species of animals and birds.

Plants help determine the depth of the aquifer Source stroim-dom.net

• The depth of the aquifer can be judged based on observations of plants. Each species grows best where the conditions are most suitable for it. For example, blackberries, lingonberries and bird cherry grow well where groundwater is closest to the surface.
• You can use the help of neighbors and friends.

If your neighbors use an Abyssinian well, you can ask what its depth is. Source obustroeno.com
To find a suitable location for a well, you can use the following methods:

• You can use several jars of the same size. If you immerse them in the ground with the neck down so that the bottom is clearly visible, then within a day you will be able to see the place where the humidity is highest. To do this, you need to compare the amount of condensation that has formed inside the glassware.
• Salt, crushed red brick and silica gel absorb moisture well. It is necessary to prepare several flower pots, the surface of which is not covered with glaze. An equal amount of the selected material is poured into them and placed for a day in different places on the site. After the appointed period has passed, they must be weighed. The heaviest will be the one that has absorbed more moisture.

Using flower pots to find water Source fermer.blog

• You can determine the presence of underground water using a garden auger. It is important to consider that if the depth of the Abyssinian well is less than 6 meters, then it will not be clean enough for drinking. Therefore, it is necessary to check the presence of the required layer at a greater depth.

Creating a filter

There is a filter at the bottom of the well pipe. It is located immediately after the point with which they pierced the ground. The filter is a tube narrower than the base of the tip cone. Holes with a diameter of 8-10 mm are drilled in it. They are arranged in rows so that they are 5 cm apart from each other. The holes should not be closer than 15 cm to the edge of the pipe.

Making a filter Source stopdacha.ru

You can use another layer of filtration. To do this, stainless steel wire is wound around the filter. The distance between the rings should be 3-5 mm. It is possible to apply another filtration layer. To do this, a section of pipe is wrapped with a stainless steel mesh with a pitch of no more than 10 mm. It is recommended to solder it to the pipe walls. To do this you need to use tin solder. You should absolutely not use lead because it will deteriorate the quality of the water.

It is important that the total thickness of the filter does not exceed the diameter of the tip base. Otherwise, the filter will be damaged during the drilling process.

Video description

This video shows the entire process from drilling an Abyssinian well to obtaining water, including installation of a pumping station:

Well in the yard Source burenie-m.ru

It must be taken into account that sometimes site owners use a pump not only for lifting, but also for horizontal movement of water.

In this case, the movement of water by 10 m horizontally reduces the maximum suction depth by 1 m. If the water is at a depth of 12-15 m, then a hand pump or airlift can be used for lifting. The operating principle of the last pump is based on the fact that air is pumped under pressure into the lower part of the well, which pushes water upward.

If the water is deep, you can build a pit. In this case, make a wide hole several meters deep and reinforce the edges with concrete rings. The pump is installed at the bottom of the pit. Thus, water has to be pumped from a slightly shallower depth.

How to drill?

Drilling on sand is possible:

• or exploration;
• or confident.

For the first case, a factory set of equipment is more suitable (this costs from 6 to 8 thousand rubles). Then the drill with the column can be removed from the well and used repeatedly. Very convenient in case the broken well turns out to be empty. You can always try to “start up” in some other place.

But, in principle, for one-time beating (let’s say there is already a similar well very close by), you can make the equipment yourself, from improvised means.

As for the method of cable-percussion drilling directly with the participation of a Norton projectile, this is a physically difficult task, but simple from a technological point of view:

1. The projectile is placed in a pit or suspended on a tripod. Or you can not bother with anything like that, but simply drive the drill into the ground with a sledgehammer.
2. Next, the first rod is inserted, and the following are put on it in turn:

• sub-grandmother;
• "woman";
• and the top clamp. In this case, the clamps on the rod are literally tightened “tight”.

1. Then the ropes are threaded into pulleys, and the “baba” is pulled to the top.
2. Afterwards the ropes are released, and the operation is repeated again and again.
3. The clamps are rearranged, and the column is built up with subsequent rods as it deepens.

Video description

Here's how to set up a well in two hours:
You can install blocks above the pipe to lift the headstock using ropes. This way you can increase the impact force.

Once the pipe is completely installed, it is necessary to pump the water to get rid of the sand and get to clean water. In the future, it is recommended to use a pump to pump water.

It is recommended to place the pump in a lift. To do this, a concrete pad is made from below, and concrete rings are installed as walls. The top is made closed, and the water supply pipe is led out through the lid. With such a device, the likelihood of contamination of the resulting water will be minimal.

Is it necessary to maintain an Abyssinian well?

In order to maintain it in working condition, it is recommended to use water regularly. At the same time, reserves will not decrease over time.

If the use is seasonal, then it will be necessary to prepare for the time when it will be idle. If negative temperatures are expected, then you need to drain the water so that it does not freeze and burst the pipe. The pump must be covered with waterproof material so that it is not damaged by bad weather.

When the well begins to be used again, it is necessary to pump water in the same way as was done at the beginning of operation. This must be done until clean water comes out.

Why do you need a bailer?

A bailer (also called a bailer drill) is a special drilling tool for loose soils. If an Abyssinian well becomes clogged (for example, at a summer cottage), it is very advisable to acquire a bailer. After all, even the most reliable well, if not used for a long time, can become clayey (especially if it is drilled into alluvial or moraine soil). So they clean it with a bailer - throw it into the well on a rope, then pull it out and throw out the collected suspension. Moreover, it is not difficult to make such a bailer with your own hands.

A homemade device does not require precision in size and design. It will be enough to approximately maintain the proportions, focusing on the diagram or even the drawing of the bailer. And it also does not require a rigid rod, unlike other similar devices.

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Why is it profitable to install an Abyssinian well?

Peculiarities:

• Relative cheapness of the procedure. If you do it yourself, the cost will be 14-15 thousand rubles. However, in this case, you will not always get a high-quality design. If done turnkey, the cost will not exceed 25 thousand rubles.
• Although the supply of water from one well is limited, in most cases it is sufficient. If necessary, you can install another well.
• To install the structure, professional drilling is not required. In Russia, the depth of suitable aquifers is 15 m or less. If during work a hard layer of soil is encountered, the structure can be easily moved to a more suitable location.

Preparing pipes for creating a well Source vodatyt.ru

• The Abyssinian well is an environmentally friendly device. Through the well made, pollution, melt water, and garbage will not fall underground. The resulting water is well filtered by the earth and will retain its purity even in difficult conditions. For example, by making such a well in a metropolis, you can provide yourself with clean water.
• Long service life. The simple design and use of stainless steel parts leads to the fact that the service life of such a well is 30 years or more.
• The well requires virtually no maintenance. The only situation where preparation is necessary is conservation before the onset of winter.
• It is important to consider that in order to make such a well and use it, the owner does not have to fill out any documents. There is no need to register or purchase licenses.

The Abyssinian well provides water to the entire house Source ural.org

In demand

Briefly about the main thing

In a country house, with the help of an Abyssinian well, you can establish a high-quality and reliable water supply. There is no need to apply for special permission for this.

The main part of such a well is a pipe with a sharp tip, driven vertically into the ground to the depth at which the aquifer is located.

This water supply option will be beneficial on sandy soils; it is easy to install and transport from place to place.

The process of installing an Abyssinian well is not long, and the benefits will be visible immediately Source unipump.ru Ratings 0

Read later

Do you need an entrance?

To drill deep wells, heavy truck-based drilling rigs, such as ZIL, are usually used. In addition, drilling a well requires a lot of water, and therefore, if there is no other source of water supply on the site, the drillers will bring water. And this is another truck. Thus, directly for drilling a well, it is necessary to ensure free passage and some maneuvering at the drilling site for at least two trucks - this is important if there are already buildings and/or vegetation on the site. The site required for drilling must be at least 4 meters wide and at least 9 meters long, in addition, it is important to consider that the mast of the drilling rig can rise to a height of up to 10 meters, so there is no interference (for example, power lines) above the future well it shouldn't be either.

To drill the Abyssinian well, only a pedestrian path is required, since all equipment is carried by hand. Minimum landscape disturbances